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Affording Packer

Ensuring that a Packer education is accessible to students from a wide range of socioeconomic backgrounds is a longstanding commitment of our School.

Packer challenges students to develop talents, pursue aspirations and become empathetic, responsible, globally minded individuals, and is firmly committed to creating a diverse community. We realize that to achieve these goals, all students and their families, regardless of their socioeconomic backgrounds, must be able to participate fully in the Packer experience. We further recognize that there are additional costs, beyond tuition and fees, associated with the exceptional education that Packer provides, and we are dedicated to assisting all qualifying families with those costs so that every student can benefit from all that Packer has to offer, both on and beyond campus.

We designate a higher percentage of our operating budget for financial aid — 18% — than many of our peer schools. In the 2018-19 school year, we awarded over $8 million in tuition assistance to over 25% of our students.

Financial Aid is available for students in Kindergarten through 12th Grade, and is granted on the basis of need and the availability of funds. On average, 25% of our students receive tuition assistance grants.

Applying for financial assistance will not prejudice admissions decisions. Financial aid decisions are made after the admission committee has reviewed an application and determined the student’s eligibility for admission.

Financial aid decisions are based on a family's financial need as demonstrated through tax forms and their School and Student Service for Financial Aid (SSS) application. Packer expects that families applying for financial aid will be forthcoming with financial information and keep all awards and decisions confidential.

When a child is enrolled at Packer, it is expected that both parents will contribute to his or her education. To be considered for financial aid, both custodial and non-custodial parents must complete the Parent Financial Statement forms and submit tax information. If only one parent is legally financially responsible for the applicant, supporting documentation of that sole responsibility must be provided.

The School takes into account additional factors in the calculation of a parent’s ability to pay for tuition. (These additional factors include, but are not limited to: cost of living, home equity, additional income, payment to pension and retirement plans, discretionary spending, etc.) Business owners, including owners of rental properties, are required to furnish copies of business tax returns with all supporting schedules. In accordance with SSS guidelines, Packer will impute a salary for any non-working, employable parent whose children are all over the age of five.

Packer encourages all prospective families who believe they might need financial assistance upon entry or in future years to apply for aid. When a student enrolls in Packer without having applied for financial assistance, it is the school’s expectation that this family will not apply for financial aid within their first three years of enrollment. Exceptions may be made when there is demonstration of a significant change in a family’s financial circumstances. Families must notify Packer of a change of circumstances that may positively or negatively affect their ability to pay tuition.

Returning families receiving financial aid can reasonably expect continued financial support if their financial situation remains the same. Applications for financial assistance must be completed annually by December 31 for the following academic year. Awards will be adjusted each year, based on the family’s current financial aid application. Late applications will be reviewed if there is still funding available. Awards will be processed only once all student accounts are current and in good standing with Packer’s Business Office.